A standout defensive player for the Detroit Lions is vowing to continue his aggressive, ball-stripping playing style, despite a recent memo from the NFL sent to all teams regarding punch-out tackles.
The Lions organization reportedly took issue with their player, identified as Campbell, being cited as an example in the league’s communication.
This occurred even though San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Alfred Collins executed a similar, albeit more forceful, play: punching Kyren Williams’ helmet before successfully punching the ball loose for a recovered fumble.
Nevertheless, Campbell is resolute in his decision not to modify his technique for anyone—the league included.
“I’m not sure how many people have actually played in an NFL game, but when you’re moving at top speed and aiming to dislodge the ball, punch-outs are very challenging to pull off,” Campbell stated on Friday. “So, frankly, I don’t care.”
“I intend to keep punching, and if I miss the ball, ‘F’ it. Screw it,” he declared.
The NFL’s new directive indicates that personal foul penalties will be called when a defender attempts a punch-out but misses the ball and strikes the ball carrier instead.
This warning, however, has not discouraged the Lions star. “I’ll probably rack up 150 personal fouls by the end of the year, so that should be entertaining,” Campbell quipped.
The Detroit defense has demonstrated a knack for forcing turnovers this season, having already forced seven fumbles, putting them just one short of the league’s top spot.
Campbell himself has been directly involved in these plays, including a strip-sack of Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and a punch-out against Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown. His teammate, Aidan Hutchinson, is also a force, tied with Buffalo Bills standout Joey Bosa with four forced fumbles.
“They just got upset with me for punching someone,” Campbell added, defending the action. “But, I mean, they’re wearing pads. If anything, it probably hurt my hand more than the other guy.”
The punch-out is a defensive technique where a player strikes the football during a tackle to try and jar it loose and cause a fumble. This electrifying defensive move was famously popularized by cornerback Charles Tillman, known for his signature “Peanut Punch” during his tenure with the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers.
Campbell’s Lions currently hold a 4-2 record following their recent loss to the Chiefs. Detroit aims to return to their winning ways when they face the high-performing 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football on October 20th.
